Maybe it was foolish to leave Ana alone. Just three months later, two boys were attacked by a mountain lion on hill just behind town of Anaconda. The fourteen-year-old fired his gun to scare it off. Both boys were probably larger than my gunless wife. Fortunately, we didn't meet any cougars or bears on this hike, but Ana had other things to worry about.

Camping With Aliens In Montana

"I hear voices," she told me in tent that night. I assured her there was nobody within ten miles of us, and then she was worried about aliens landing in meadow. Well, it would make a good landing site. The wind threatened to shred tent all night, sounding like whispers or screams of ghosts - or aliens. By morning wind relented, but it was well below freezing - time to get Ana home.

Despite cold she hates so much, Ana couldn't help stopping to take in view as we crossed high meadows on our way home. Mountains, grey with rock, green with grass and flowers, and painted with white patches of snow, were everywhere. Lakes sat in valleys below, unvisited for weeks at a time. We'll be back there again, but perhaps with bear spray and alien repellant.

Notes:

Forty-five miles of Continental Divide Trail pass through Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness. Other trails in area are never heavily used. You can easily find mountains and whole valleys where you'll be only human residents for as long as you stay.

Slightly closer to home Canary Islands have always been a popular destination for British public. Set off coast of West Africa archipelago enjoys a warm sunshine all year round, duty free prices and are home to some of best beaches in world. Gran Canaria is perfect getaway for a beach break. Almost 60 of 236 kilometres of islands coastline consist of beaches – many of which are famed for their white sands, transparent water and cleanliness – a paradise only a short flight away from UK.

Similarly to Gran Canaria, with its mild climate and wondrous scenery, Majorca has long been a favourite with British holiday makers. The largest of Beleric Islands, Majorca offers everything that Brits look for in a traditional beach holiday – sun, beaches and nightlife. As a general rule beach resorts on south of island – such as Magaluf - are more lively and suited to younger crowd. However, island has something to offer everyone and relatively short flight mean it is an ideal venue for a short beach break.

Overall, taking 2-3 days to top up your tan is becoming easier to do for UK traveller and appeal of being on a beach in an exotic location a matter of hours after leaving your work is strong. All you need to do is pick your destination, get your hotel and make last crucial decision...factor 8 or 9?